The Netherlands stunned South Africa in a rain-curtailed encounter played at HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala on the 17th of October 2023. After being asked to bat first, the Dutch looked in deep trouble at 82 for 5. Scott Edwards put on valuable partnerships with Teja Nidamanuru, Logan Van Beek, Roelf Van der Merwe, and Aryan Dutt that helped the Netherlands post 245 for 8 in 43 overs.
Captain Edwards led from the front with an unbeaten 78. Van der Merwe came with intent putting pressure on South African bowling. From 112 for 6, Edwards and Van der Merwe put on 64 runs for the 7th wicket. Aryan Dutt hit a quickfire 23 off 9 deliveries that laid the foundation for a competitive total. The Netherlands played well in patches during the first two matches against Pakistan and New Zealand.
Paul Van Meekeren played a key role for his side
The T20 World Cup that was supposed to take place in 2020 was postponed but the COVID pandemic made sure the tournament did not happen for two years. Paul Van Meekeren was struggling to meet his ends at his home.
Van Meekeren was hoping to meet his ends by taking part in the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia, he worked hard by working as a delivery boy at Uber Eats. He played for various franchises across T20 and T10 formats, but the pace bowler was not popular. The pace bowler was a part of the historic victory over South Africa in the Super 12 match against South Africa in the 2022 T20 World Cup played in Adelaide Oval.
Paul Van Meekeren produced a stunning match-winning spell in the 50-over World Cup match at Dharmshala. With top quality batting lineup like South Africa winning two back-to-back matches, the target of 246 in 43 overs looked easy. Netherlands showed great courage reducing South Africa to 44 for 4 as their top order comprising of de Kock, Bavuma, Dussen, and Markram fell cheaply. Van Meekeren produced a peach to dismiss Markram to leave South Africa in tatters
Meekeren then got rid of Marco Jansen to leave South Africa in massive trouble. Despite David Miller’s resistance, Netherlands bowlers kept picking wickets at regular to bowl out South Africa for 207 with 38 runs victory. Meekeren ended with figures of 2 for 40 in his 9 overs.
The Netherlands would be hoping for another brilliant form as they will face Sri Lanka at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. For his match-winning spell knock of 78, Scott Edwards was named the player of the match award.
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